Brea vs San Francisco: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Brea, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brea, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,450▲ | $42,709 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.26▲ | $20.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,330 | $39,157▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,053 | $40,609▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,577 | $73,977▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,198 | $101,259▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 1,800▲ |
Verdict
Brea and San Francisco are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Brea and San Francisco is $7,741 (18.12%). Brea's median is -18.60% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brea spans $47,868,San Francisco spans $62,102. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Brea ($44,607 effective) pays 20.75% more than San Francisco ($36,941 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brea if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,450/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,607)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,259)
- ✓Larger job market (1,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Brea grew -23.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Brea, CA
$62,238 (2024) → $47,581 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$46,600 (2019) → $40,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Brea or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brea and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Brea to San Francisco as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Brea vs San Francisco?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov